New Facts: Delhi High Court questions Jantar Mantar protest venue

During a hearing on a request to protest at Jantar Mantar on August 10, the Delhi High Court asked why the site should remain Delhi’s protest hub. Justice Amit Mahajan said, "Why don't you shut this down? Why should the city be put to ransom unnecessarily?" He left the decision to the authorities but directed Delhi Police to decide the pending application by Saturday and inform the organisers.

The All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee said it applied on July 9 to hold a three-hour protest from 10 am to 1 pm, with about 75 people, and no march, tents, overnight stay, hunger strike or road occupation. The government told the court that prohibitory orders are in place ahead of Independence Day. The court was also told the Supreme Court is examining a public interest case on whether protests should be moved from Jantar Mantar to another venue.

The Cockroach Janta Party defended the site after the hearing. Spokesperson Saurav Das posted, "HANDS OFF our Jantar Mantar!", and said taking it away without providing another accessible place would curb peaceful protest.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources